Yes, Bologue has always felt that this isn't a mere coincidence; there must be some reason why he's come to this world, but he doesn't yet know it.
The plan was good, but reality is harsh. Before Bologue could pursue his life's aspirations, he realized one thing.
Bologue's family in this world is not wealthy, just a regular household, without enough funds to support Bologue going to college to gain a deeper understanding of this world.
So, after Bologue became an adult, he had to run around to make ends meet. By chance, he joined the military, and in a certain coincidence made a deal with the Devil, gaining a "Blessing," and became what's known as a Debtor.
Initially, Bologue was delighted with his newfound Extraordinary Power, finally able to further understand this world. But before the joy lasted for a few days, he was arrested due to his identity as a Debtor.
In this world, everything related to the Devil is strictly guarded against. According to the boss, those who can be killed should be killed; those who can't, should be locked up.
The silver lining is that Bologue belongs to those who can't be killed.
"Bologue Lazarus!"
The shout brought Bologue back to reality. He stood up slowly and looked at the man waving towards him in the firelight.
"Yo! Geoffrey."
Bologue responded casually.
Geoffrey Kagga, currently the person responsible for liaising with Bologue, officially the boss. He always wears that shabby black coat and black hat, middle-aged and slightly plump, his belly slightly protruding.
He gives off a very gentle vibe. Bologue once said that if Geoffrey were a grandfather, his children would definitely like him, but this gentle demeanor is being replaced by rising anger.
The distance between the two gradually shortened, face to face.
Geoffrey repeatedly took deep breaths, trying to calm his emotions, squeezing his voice out through clenched teeth.
"Why... Why has it turned out like this again?" With a grim look, he raised his hands towards the burning church. "Wow! Such a big church! Just gone like that!"
"Who knows? Maybe the Priest came to his senses at the last moment and decided to repent in the flames?"
Bologue chuckled, trying to shirk responsibility.
Harsh sirens sliced through, and after a brief commotion, the fire trucks also arrived to control the blaze.
Geoffrey stared at Bologue; this gaze lasted a long time, finally ending with his helpless sigh.
"Eh... You Debtors are really a troublesome bunch."
He glanced at Bologue's ragged appearance, took off his coat, and handed it to Bologue.
"But aren't I quite efficient? Not a single Demon on the list was missed, and there weren't any innocent casualties either."
Bologue took the coat, skillfully putting it on as if such troublesome events had happened many times before.
Geoffrey paused for a few seconds, the cold wind brushing against his face. He sighed helplessly again, standing next to Bologue, both gazing at the burning church.
Firelight filled Geoffrey's vision as he recalled the Demon already dead inside the church. Even he had to admire Bologue's strength.
Demons are a bunch of greedy monsters; demon hunting has become a highly dangerous job, with death already being a norm.
But Bologue is different. He doesn't need team coordination, nor any assistance, without worrying about casualties... Just by sending him alone, he can perfectly solve all the problems, except that every mission will cause some collateral property damage afterward.
Of course, compared to life and death, such property damage is completely within acceptable limits.
"I must say, Bologue, you might really be a genius," Geoffrey murmured, "a genius at dealing with these troublesome matters."
"I'm an expert."
Bologue corrected.
"Yes, an expert." Geoffrey agreed with Bologue's words, hesitated for a moment, and continued.
"This weekend, your observation period will end."
Hearing this, Bologue remained silent for a second or two, "Hmm, I know."
"This will decide if you stay or get sent back to the Black Prison." Geoffrey said.
"Do you think I'll stay or be sent back?" Bologue looked at Geoffrey.
"I don't know; this is not entirely my decision." He shook his head.
"Oh, your 'boss,' right?"
"Yes."
The conversation between the two slipped into silence, Bologue contemplating.
The Devil.
Sinister and treacherous beings, to this day people don't have enough understanding of them and can only try to prevent their influence as best as they can. So whether it's Debtors or Demons, all those associated with the Devil, once exposed, face severe crackdown by the relevant departments.
In their words, the law is only applicable to humans; humans who have made a deal with the Devil are no longer regarded as humans... So, for Bologue as a Debtor, he has no human rights to speak of, and a lifelong prison sentence is considered merciful by the judges.
Logically, he should remain in a dark prison until death... if Bologue can naturally die.
Until a year ago, he was released. It's said "those people" plan to select some elite from the imprisoned Debtors to serve them, handling all supernatural events related to the Devil.
This is the so-called redemption through merit, the convict army.
Compared to ordinary people, Debtors certainly excel more. They carry strong "Blessings," although there is a possibility of further degeneration into Demons, but such gains are worth the risk.
Thus, Bologue Lazarus was selected a year ago, became one of them, and began a year-long internship. The day after tomorrow will be the end of his internship period, which will decide if he is formally employed or sent back to the Black Prison to continue his sentence.
"A year, it went by so fast."
Bologue muttered.
"Yeah, we've actually worked together for a year now." Geoffrey was also surprised.
"Bologue, actually I want to ask something, is it convenient?"
"Go ahead."
Geoffrey pondered for a while, then asked.
"If you get employed, become one of us, regain freedom, what will you do?"
Bologue didn't hesitate and immediately said.
"Handle this case, kill all those damn Demons, and retrieve Adelle's soul."
A predictable answer, Geoffrey asked again.
"If you don't get employed and are sent back to the Black Prison?"
The atmosphere solidified for a few seconds; this is the worst outcome.
"Then I'll have to hope you lend a hand, plead with your 'boss' to let me find Adelle's soul before sending me back."
Though saying so, Bologue's mind was still occupied with other thoughts.
Perhaps from staying in the Black Prison long enough, he actually got somewhat accustomed to such a life, but accustomed doesn't mean acceptance, especially since Bologue now has things to do, and in the Black Prison, he can't do anything.
He can't be sent back.
"It's natural," Geoffrey said, "I know the feeling of interrupted revenge, it's suffocating. Just thinking about you being stuck in the Black Prison for so long again... It would be maddening."
Geoffrey patted his shoulder, showing understanding of Bologue's revenge.
"Of course, mainly because Mrs. Adelle Dovlan's cookies were very tasty. If that's your only wish, even if you don't ask, I'd also help you."
Geoffrey looked at the fire gradually being controlled, with eyes a crimson red, murmured.
"A good person like her shouldn't have died like this."
The two remembered Adelle, and after a while, Geoffrey curiously asked.
"So, if you're employed, kill all those Demons, and retrieve Adelle's soul, is there anything else you want to do?"
Anything else you want to do?
Bologue looked up at the sky, for a moment he was stumped by the question, thought for a long time, his hand inadvertently moved to the heart's location, feeling the faint pulsing beneath.
"Redeem... my lost soul."
His words were firm.